Offensive Explosion Overshadows Clemson’s Poor Defensive Performance

#2 Clemson 56 | South Carolina 35

Top Performers:
Clemson
Trevor Lawrence (QB): 27/36, 393 passing yards, 1 TD
Travis Etienne (RB): 28 carries, 158 rushing yards, 2 TDs
Tee Higgins (WR): 6 catches, 142 receiving yards, 1 TD

South Carolina
Jake Bentley (QB): 32/50, 510 passing yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT
Mon Denson (RB): 17 carries, 62 rushing yards
Deebo Samuel (WR): 10 catches, 210 receiving yards, 3 TDs

Top Stats:
1st Downs: USC 29 | Clemson 38
Total Yards: USC 600 | Clemson 744
Rushing Yards: USC 90 | Clemson 351
4th Downs: USC 1/3 | Clemson 2/2

Game Run Down:
The Clemson offense probably hasn’t had a better game all season. Trevor Lawrence and his WRs were in sync all night and just torched the Gamecock DBs, while Etienne and the ground attack just gashed SC. The Tiger offense put their balance on display as the offense was just unstoppable all night. However, the Clemson defense had one of their worst games of the year. Jake Bentley and Deebo Samuel exposed the Clemson secondary by getting behind the DBs for multiple explosive pass plays. Bentley had a career night and looked like the QB Carolina fans knew he could be, but it was still incredible to see him dice up the Tiger secondary. If Clemson wants to take down teams like Alabama, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, they will need to sure up some things within their secondary, because although they could likely score with most teams, the Playoffs will likely come down to which defense can make enough stops in the latter parts of games.

Next Up:
#2 Clemson (12-0): vs. #24 Pittsburgh | 8:00 | ABC
South Carolina (6-5): vs. Akron | 12:00 | SECN